This is a write up that has been a long time coming. As many of you know I was first introduced to this cigar when I was in Tampa last month. This is the cigar that we were smoking with Arturo Funete Jr. during out interview at the Tampa Sweethearts Cigar Company in Ybor city (http://www.tampasweetheart.com).
Tasts as good as it looks
Today I smoked the Belicoso wrapped in Ecuadorian Sun Grown leaf. Many times I get a fever that can only be cured by more Sun Grown, and this is just what the Dr. ordered. These cigars are made in the Fuente Factory in the Dominican Republic with the same quality and care as their other lines. While it may not be a Don Carlos, at a third of the price, it is a damn good alternative. As you would expect with all Fuente products, it has a nice wrapper with touches of natural oil apparent, and it uses Dominican fillers. It is mild to medium flavored, has a nice draw, and a slow burn. The last time I was at Beans & Leafs in Fairfield, Connecticut, I gave one to Reggie’s cigar guru John, and he couldn’t speak higher of it. Then he said “these are under $60 a bundle”? Yet another ringing endorsement for Fuente’s secret stash!
Something for the Joe’s to talk about: While all the Flor de Ybor’s come in Natural or Maduro, the Belicoso, Torro, Pierce, Pyramid, No. , 80, & 85 are the only ones available in an Ecuadorian Sun Grown wrapper.
Size: Belicoso, 5 1/2 inches with Ring gauge of 49.
Time needed: Give yourself 45 minutes to a hour to enjoy this one..
Shelf Rating: 4/5 points for the Average Joe (a Sun Grown this good is hard to find at this price point)
Price: Not currently available as singles, (4 pack samplers around $13)/ $57.60 for a bundle of 20 (that’s under $3 a stick!)
Should you buy: Yes! This is a staple smoke of Arturo Fuente Jr., and now all of the Joes as well! This hidden gem is amazing, and it is at a price where you can load the old humidor, and not worry when friends grab some (as long as they don’t take the last one, that is mine!) While I don’t mind buying by the bundle, I think that this would be a hit in the $3 – $4 range as singles in the stores. Maybe someday soon!
Marc stopped over with some a couple of the Belicoso Sun Grown and i was thoroughly impressed with this cigar! We shared it over a bottle of Offley Port while discussing some good trades in fantasy baseball!